Across cultures it is accepted that it is a terrible thing to die alone. During the present Covid-19 epidemic there are visions of refrigerated trucks on TV. It's all so sad and tremendously disturbing to say the least. Of course it is tragic when large numbers of people die. It is also frightening. There is a real human fear of being unknown and alone when you are dying or have died. It feels as if that life is un-celebrated...discarded and unmourned with no funerals.
What about their families? Loved ones can't visit those who are sick and dying. I don't know if it's sadder for the dying or the one's left behind. I would imagine that for those who, for whatever reason, have not made it to the death bed in time may be crippling.
During this pandemic, the escalating fear of the unknown spreads like the virus itself. Responses to the horror of the hard to predict scope of Covid-19, the uncertainty of who dies next, and visions of people seeming to be abandoned and discarded has stirred up and understandable terror.
Life’s events are uncertain. The truth is, as we all know, the events of life and death have always been uncertain.
I don't have any answers. But if I were to get anything out of this it would be the power of love. Hold on to your loved ones. Tell them you love them...a lot. Stay in the moment...always.
Funny thing is that this should have always been our beacon.
In life, periods of solitude were blessings. Dying alone was a bitter curse.
Faye Kellerman
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